De motu animalium. Editio altera. Correctior & emendatior.

2 parts in 1 vol., 4to: [16 incl. front.]-280 (= 274)-[18], [4]-365-[15] pp. (quires li, Kk, V-X browned).

Contemp. blindstamped vellum (lower cover sl. soiled), spine on 5 raised bands, red leather title label.

Rare second edition (1st, Rome, 1680) of this work by the mathematician and physicist Borelli (1608-1679). "Borelli originated the neurogenic theory of the heart's action and first suggested that the circulation resembled a simple hydraulic system. He was the first to insist that the heart beat was a simple muscular contraction" (Garrison & Morton). "He was the first to analyse distinctly the operation of the muscular system, and to attempt to assign with mathematical precision the exact mechanical energy exerted by each muscle" (Osler). Engr. ill.: front. and 18 full-page pl. showing animal motion, i.a. walking, running, jumping etc. The first part of the work is devoted to external movements of the body, the second to internal movements. Borelli also indicates in this work the unattainability of human flight based on examining the muscle structure and therefore opens the way to the study of mechanical flight.
Ref. STCN. - Nissen (ZBI) 465. - Osler 2087 (ed. 1680). - Garrison & Morton 762 (ed. 1680). - Not in Wellcome.